Stefan Roots Brings Change to Chester Politics
Lester Van Jones (affectionately called Van) was born and raised in Swarthmore. He attended Swarthmore-Rutledge School and Swarthmore High School, where he played football and basketball.
After graduating, he matriculated to Cheyney University (formally Cheyney State College), where he received his B.S. degree in English/Journalism.
Van’s first employment after graduating was as a news reporter for the West Chester Daily Local News. After a brief period there, he joined Chilton Publishing Company, as a technical editor within its Book Company.
Seeking something more challenging, Van joined the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, as supervisor of Company Publications. After the company decided to diversify, Van sought employment with the Department of Defense (DoD). He was hired as a Senior Technical Writer for the Naval Air Development Center. Later, he joined the Naval Air Warfare Center as a Senior Technical Editor.
Van is presently retired, and resides in Chester, Pennsylvania. He has one daughter, and five grandchildren.
Stefan Roots, seen here with his wife Marcy, is Chester City Councilman-Elect.
Despite the dampness and chill in the air, volunteer poll workers at the Hayes Senior Center in Chester seemed upbeat and cheerful about the prospect of assisting voters. They laughed and chatted enthusiastically as they sipped their coffee or tea.
As expected, early morning turnout was slow, but it picked up toward noon. Some voters had detailed questions about the candidates: For example, they wanted to know more about Stefan Roots: What is he proposing to do about the high incidence of gun violence in their community? What about the recent disturbances at Chester High School—how can they be avoided in the future?
Also serving alongside the poll workers and election officials at the Hayes Senior Center that day was Judge of Elections Pat Worrell, who has served in this capacity for three years. Originally from Massachusetts, she has been a resident of Chester for over 17 years and has worked in various capacities for the city.
Asked about her concerns and aspirations for the city, she said, “The city deserves more—and now is the time. Chester is a generational city, and the people have to come first.”
Ms. Worrell, a mother of three, intimated that there is something about Chester that draws people to it. Chester residents know each other well, and are hoping for the right leadership.
Asked about Chester’s political climate, Ms. Worrell said, “The city needs an administration that knows how to administrate.”
Regarding the future of the city, Ms. Worrell said that she believes “Chester is in a turnaround. And within the next 10 to 20 years, the city will be a throbbing metropolis. It all begins with the people.”
A glowing star amongst the poll workers at the Hayes Center that day was Kathleen (“Kissy”) White, who retired as a school-crossing guard after 19 years and is a lifelong resident of Chester. Not short on smiles, she had her own hopes and dreams about her beloved city.
She said that she thinks Chester still needs a lot—that most people are humble and friendly, but “There needs to be more security in the city, especially at the transportation center.” She also said that she believes the schools need to be made more secure.
Asked about the future of Chester, Ms. White said, “Although the city could be better, hopefully our new elected officials can turn it around and give Chester what it deserves.”
